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Mesaba Airlines Finalizes Labor Deals With Pilots, Flight Attendants and Mechanics

Posted on: Monday, 27 November 2006, 18:00 CST

Mesaba Airlines confirmed today that its pilots, represented by the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), its flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) and its mechanics, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) have agreed to new contracts with the carrier.

"Reaching this point has been difficult and complex; yet throughout this process, Mesaba employees have exemplified the true commitment and professionalism that makes Mesaba the exceptional airline it is," said John Spanjers, Mesaba Airlines president and COO. "The pilots, flight attendants, and mechanics along with every single Mesaba employee, are making a considerable sacrifice to ensure the survival of this company and I am confident we will see brighter days ahead," said Spanjers.

"We look forward to working together with all of Mesaba's employees to make certain Mesaba emerges from bankruptcy positioned for growth and success," he added.

A ratified contract for Mesaba's dispatchers represented by the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) already has been approved by the Bankruptcy Court.

The ratified union contracts and changes to wage and benefits for all non-contract employees, including management, will start being implemented December 1, 2006.

The company's restructuring plan centers on securing its core business of 49 Saabs with Northwest Airlines and achieving a cost structure that positions Mesaba to be very competitive for new opportunities.

Mesaba operates as a Northwest Jet Airlink and Airlink partner under an airline service agreement with Northwest Airlines. The airline serves 88 cities in the United States and Canada from Northwest's and Mesaba's three major hubs: Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Memphis. Mesaba operates an advanced fleet of regional jet and jet-prop aircraft, consisting of the 69 passenger Avro RJ85, the 30-34 passenger Saab SF340 and the 50 passenger Canadair Regional Jet. Mesaba filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on October 13, 2005 and continues to operate as a debtor-in-possession. Mesaba maintains a web site at www.mesaba.com. Mesaba Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of MAIR Holdings, Inc. MAIR Holdings, Inc. is traded under the symbol MAIR on the NASDAQ National Market.

Source: Business Wire

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